A COUPLE returned to the church where they tied the knot more than 30 years ago – to find it had become a bar and restaurant.

So Eileen and Cliff Butler booked a romantic Valentine’s dinner at Alma De Cuba, which used to be St Peter’s Catholic church.

Eileen, 51, and Cliff, 56, were married by Eileen’s uncle, Father Brian Crane, in 1974 at the Seel Street building.

The couple’s son, Cliff Junior, 32, was also christened there.

Eileen, whose other uncle Tony Crane performed in The Merseybeats, and Cliff were amazed when they discovered the church.

Former model Eileen said: “There aren’t many couples who get to spend Valentine’s Day in the place they wed. When I saw Alma de Cuba, I knew we just had to book a table.”

The couple left Liverpool 20 years ago for South Wales.

Alma de Cuba director Rob Preston said: “We are all aware of the history behind Alma de Cuba and it was great to see the building as it once was when Eileen passed the original wedding pictures to us.”

St Peter’s was closed in 1978, before being reopened as Alma de Cuba in 2005.

ECHO essentials

LOVE was in the air of Liverpool city centre as shoppers were serenaded this Valentine’s Day.

The Leighton-Jones Quartet were putting passion on to the pavements of Church Street with a romantic repertoire of songs, while confetti and chocolate was being handed out.

And people popping out to find romantic surprises for their loved ones will be put in the mood with cherubs and confetti.

The cherubs will be handing out chocolate hearts to people while the Leighton-Jones Quartet set the loving mood.